Fitness is subjective. Are you fit when you can run a 5K? Run a marathon? Hold a plank for five minutes? Is it a number on the scale?
I started on a journey for fitness and good health after being diagnosed with Graves Disease.
From the Mayo Clinic:
Graves’ disease is an immune system disorder that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). While a number of disorders may result in hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common cause.
The only cure is irradiating the thyroid, that typically leads to hypothyroidism, which is then regulated with medication. It generally leads to a life with a slow metabolism and weight fluctuations.
Nearly two years after taking the radioactive iodine, I am lucky to still have some thyroid function. It may even be enough to have a normal metabolism or to stop taking medication for it.
After the diagnoses, I knew that paying extra attention to how I eat and moving everyday would be essential. It has become part of my life and I feel better than I did before.
Fitness for me is not numbers on the scale or pants size. It is the strength I feel after a hard workout. The power I feel after running a distance that would have been impossible a year ago. It really is knowing that you can live with a health setback and it can make you stronger.
How do you define fitness?
Has exercise helped overcome or live with a health issue?
![Life As I See It [Fitness, Health and Happiness]](https://i0.wp.com/img.photobucket.com/albums/v407/momof2as/Button_WEB.jpg)
dinarunsdotcom 
Hi Dina, great post! stopping by from FFBH!getfitchick
I would have to say fitness is being able to do the things I want to do and feel good doing it. I like being strong and fit!
Hmmm…good question. I wouldn't consider myself fit just by looking at me, but the fact that I am getting up every morning and working out makes me feel fit. I believe it's all in the way you feel about yourself and doing something that makes you feel stronger. Great thinking post. Love it!
great post and so true! Yes, fitness is pushing myself to the next level with each work out! although the smaller pants would be a nice benefit, I quit weighing myself because it didn't help me on the journey
I am your newest follower from the fitness friday hop. would love for you to visit & follow my blog.
Wow, you've overcome some heavy stuff, and that is amazing! I believe you're right-and in that line of thinking I think that fitness is when I'm putting good things in my body and moving it in good ways and it becomes second nature to do so. Blog hopping from the Fitness Friday linkup! š
I'm glad to see that there are so many different definitions of fitness and that they all seem to be personal.
Hi Dina here from the blog hop! I also have a disorder that some people may let get int he way of fitness. I have seizures and it can be scary going out on long runs or even short runs alone. Fitness for me is daily being able to run and show the doctors that even though I have this disorder I can still be healthy!
SbMac – I think it is amazing that you are running with a disorder that gives you seizures. Good for you, that must take a lot of strength.
Hi, Dina. I have thyroid disease too. It definitely makes it more difficult to achieve fitness and a healthy weight. I struggle with it every day, but I've found that I feel so much better physically and mentally if I exercise daily!
Jennifer- It can make all the difference in the world. I'm glad to hear that you are doing something that works for you.
Hi Dina,I have heard so much about thyroid disorders lately. Never knew they were so common. Sounds like you may be on the right track with yours. Best of luck!I define fitness by how I am feeling; strong, confident and happy. Of course, a flat tummy is a nice measure too…I've been fortunate to have been healthy for most of my life, but fitness helps me deal with the ongoing stress of a busy family life, including a child who has chronic heart-lung disease.Really enjoying your blog,Tamara
Hi Dina. Fitness? It's the feeling of empowerment and energy after a workout or run. It's pushing myself a little bit harder or further out of my comfort zone and ready to do more the next day.Thanks for linking up with FF!
Great question! Maybe fitness is more of attitude and a matter of exploiting the body – as it is – to its potential?